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Saturday, July 28, 2012

It is rare when I can get a quilt done from start to finish in less than a week. I was actually able to accomplish that that week and I love the results.

I had seen a similar tree applique on a few different pieces. I just hadn't found the perfect quilt to use it on.

This Super 9 block was cut a while back (talking years ago) when I wasn't quite as educated on the quilting process. The center block is directional and going the wrong direction. LOL! It worked out perfect for this tree because I needed a short but wide area.

The tree is on a cream fabric that has a gold shimmer. I quilted detail on the leaves and tree trunk.

In the open areas I did a couple of varieties of meandering. In the corner squares, I included one large leaf.

Back of quilted leaf.

I adore this backing. I got it at Ikea of all places.

I'm going to cry after it is all gone.

This piece was originally designed to be a lap quilt but given it's horizontal nature, it would make a wonderful wall hanging. You could also drape it over the back of a couch. Don't forget to visit Etsy to see more pictures of this listing and many others!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Have you heard of this? I have not. But this seems to be the thing I've been longing for. Modern quilting. People who have similar quilting tastes and styles. People with similar visions. The misfit quilters!!

What?

Too far?

Hopefully, I will be able to connect with other quilters who see things the way I do. I would love to find other quilters who are my age and at my stage in life. I'm unbelievably excited about this! I've got some research to do but I foresee a visit to Austin in February. And I know just the BBQ lovin', loves an excuse to go to Austin husband that will want to join me for a weekend away.

If you have any information about this, I would love for you to share it with me.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

We recently took our family vacation for the summer and decided to meander through some quilt shops on the way home. We visited a few familiar shops and one new shop. I wanted to follow up on two stores I have previously reviewed. Simple Sewing Solutions in Lockhart, Tx and All Around the Block (AATB) in Giddings, Tx.

We initially stopped in Lockhart for BBQ because my husband has an unhealthy obsession with Kreuz Market. Though I don't blame him, that place has delicious BBQ. We attempted to stop at Simple Sewing Solutions. I had heard that there was some change, so I wanted to check in out. Unfortunately, they were closed for lunch. I wasn't sure how long they were going to be gone, since the sticky note just stated they would be back in 30 minutes. I did peek in the windows and the gorgeous counter top is gone. I admit, I am sad to see it go. It was definitely a piece that made the shop unique. However, it appears that their fabric collection has greatly increased and let's face it, more fabric makes everything better. We'll be back in Lockhart sooner, than later. My husband will need a BBQ fix in a few months, I'm sure of it. I'll go back by again.

All Around the Block

Next we headed towards Giddings, Tx., which is quickly becoming my quilting Mecca. It is quite the typical small Texas town. Old brick downtown. There is the required BBQ shop there. But there is nothing typical about the quilt shops in this town. I understand that there are now 3 shops. However, these aren't your usual small town quilt shops. There are more fabric options in the town of Giddings, than in Houston. I swear on it. I've visited All Around the Block previously and talked about it here. My second trip was as successful as my first. The place still goes on forever. The selection is incredible. If AATB doesn't have it, the fabric doesn't exist. Definitely a must stop, when you're in town.

I picked up a few yards, while at AATB. The Yo Gabba Gabba! fabric is flannel and for my son. He is currently at that age and stage where he is absolutely in love with this show. He recently received his sister's YGG figurines from when she was at the same age. I foresee myself doing another Yo Gabba Gabba birthday. The fish material is for a scrub top for my husband. Scrub tops were how I justified originally purchasing my first sewing machine 6 years ago. I would make scrub tops and it would save us all sorts of money. I've made him probably 5 or 6 tops at this point. I promise you, not a penny has been saved.

This. THIS! I bought it for myself. It is everything I wish I could be. I have never seen a more beautiful piece of fabric. It is delicate but incredibly bright and colorful. It is part of a collection designed by Laura Gunn for Michael Miller called Garden Wall. There are some other incredible pieces in the collection that I'm dying to get my hands on. You can see more here. I have plans for a table runner, I think. Or a wall hanging to put up in my studio. I might just sit and stare at it.

While in Giddings, I also stopped at a new to me store, Gerline's. The shop isn't new at all but it is the first time I've been able to stop by. I'll give you that information in a few days...

Saturday, July 7, 2012

It has been a while since I've put new items up on Etsy. I made a few things last summer, then we packed up and moved. I never got to post them and they have been at the bottom of my to do list. It would have been more timely to have them up before the 4th of July, given the nature of the pieces. I love them both for different reasons. They will be very hard to part with.

The first piece is a patchwork table runner. I did 3 reverse applique stars on each end. To give the stars a little poof, I added additional batting under the stars. You can view more details about this runner here.

The other piece is a flag wall hanging. This piece was so much fun to make. You can make this over and over and never replicate it exactly. There is a ton of detail on this quilt. The stars were FMQ individually, by me. There are clouds in the blue area and spirals in the border. You can see more detailed pictures here.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

...in a candy store. That's me right now. We are on our way home, literally, from a *VERY* impromptu vacation. We stopped at 3 quilt shops. I love small town shops. Though, really, there is nothing small about them. I find more often than not, there is more selection, personality, and passion in these small town stores, than when I'm in the city.
I'll share my purchases, experiences and a few patriotic pieces when we get home. And a new store means another review. I love new to me stores! I'll also update you on two stores that I've reviewed previously but haven't revisited in a while.

See you soon!

~SLBY

P.S. This is my first experience doing a post from my phone. I apologize in advance, if it looks crazy.